Champion Power Equipment 73536i Review – Quiet & Inverter Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 73536i is discontinued, but if you’re curious and want to learn about it, then keep reading. The inverter generator market has gone through some big changes over the past couple of years. Prices have been dropping, new brands have entered the market, and the quality has been going up. It’s a great time to be shopping for an inverter generator, but this article won’t give you current models to choose from — instead browse our comprehensive expert guide on inverter generators.

The Champion 73536i unique in many ways but two of the most identifiable features of this inverter generator are the fact that it’s stackable (and square). If you decide to run two in parallel (doubling your power) they become very modular and compact, capable of fitting into a variety of spaces. It truly is a great design, demonstrating how Champion engineers put a lot of thought into the needs of consumers

There’s a lot to discuss with the Champion Power Equipment 73536i. Let’s take a closer look…

Champion Power Equipment 73536i

Inverter generators are far superior to conventional gas generators on every level. Not only are they portable, but they are ultra-quiet, efficient and produce clean energy. The Champion 73536i is no exception, and it excels in all of those categories, far cheaper than other leading brands.

Don’t worry if you’ve not spent time researching portable generators in the last few years. They’ve come a long way in the past decade, which we’ll talk about in more detail later on. Let’s look at what you can actually power with a 2000W generator.

✓  Comes with a 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from Champion’s experts.

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Why You Need A Portable Inverter Generator?

There are a couple of huge reasons why people buy gas-powered inverter generators and it’s maybe why you’re interested in one. Homeowners want the ability to power their appliances in the event of a blackout, or if you’re in construction they are great for worksites.

If you need energy in either of those situations you’re covered. Luckily there are a couple of other uses that will surely come in handy over the years for some people. We’ll quickly examine them to show you how flexible a portable generator like the Champion Power Equipment 73536i actually is:

Have Lots Of Fun Throwing A Tailgate Party

Who doesn’t enjoy throwing a tailgate party at different times throughout the year? Maybe you want to have lots of extra fun before you walk into a stadium. You could throw one in the street with all your friends.

It’s not going to be as enjoyable if you don’t have access to any power. You’ll be limited to the speakers built into your car. No portable generator means it will be harder to keep your beer cold too.

Traditional Inverter Generator | Westinghouse iGen2500

You’ll Have Power In The Middle Of Nowhere

Some people like building their own fire and doing everything the old fashioned way when they go camping. If you like to make things easier on yourself a generator will allow you to run anything outdoors.

They’re also very useful to have on hand when you visit campsites even though outlets will be available. You never know if they’ll be working, plus you’ll never have to fight for one if you have your own power.

Taking Care Of Your Back Garden A Lot Easier

This might not apply to everyone with a small garden, but if you have a large one portable generators save you lots of trouble. When you have a bunch of electric power tools there will be cables running everywhere.

In large gardens they won’t even reach the area you’re working in. Once your power tools are plugged into a portable inverter generator like the Champion Power Equipment 73536i you’ll be able to pick it up and carry it around with you.

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Conventional Generators vs. Inverter Generators

In a while we’re going to look at some of the reasons why inverter generators are the top choice. This is because there will be a lot of conventional generators vying for your attention. Even though they look good you shouldn’t be fooled into buying one.

Conventional Gas Generator | Westinghouse WGen7500

Before you can appreciate the advantages of inverter generators like the Champion Power Equipment 73536i you should know how each one actually works. We won’t dig into the exact science too much, but let’s look at a general explanation of how each one operates:

Conventional Generators – These have been around for a while because it was a long wait before something better came along. The science behind them is old and basic. An energy source like gasoline powers a motor connected to an alternator and you’re left with electricity.

The biggest downside with conventional generators is the fact they run at a constant speed. It means if the engine RPM fluctuates the frequency of the electrical output will follow suit. Luckily this also allows them to be extremely powerful, which is needed in industrial settings.

Portable and Quiet | Westinghouse iGen4500 (Full Review)

Inverter Generators – These 3-phase generators are a lot more complicated, which is why they’ve not been around for long in the grand scheme of things. You still end up with AC power coming out of your outlets, but it’s turned into DC power first to clean up the electrical output.

You will end up with a single phase output that is able to hold an almost pure sine wave at your desired voltage and frequency. In other words, inverter generators like the Champion Power Equipment 73536i don’t run at a constant speed and we’ll discuss why this is crucial soon.

One of the most common questions that consumers ask about generators is, What’s the difference between an inverter generator and a conventional generator? We’ve touched upon the answer here but for an indepth answer to this question I recommend reading our article : Inverter vs Generator. It will answer all of your questions.

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Advantages Of Portable Inverter Generators

Now you know how inverter generators work, but it’s not the reason you’ll be interested in them. You’ll want one thanks to the advantages they offer over their conventional counterparts. Before we look in-depth at a few models we’ll discuss some of their main benefits:

1. You Will Burn Through A Lot Less Fuel
2. The Noise Levels Will Be More Pleasant
3. A Generator Will Be Smaller And Lighter
4. They Can Be Used On Expensive Electronics
5. It’s Easy To Add A Few Of Them Together

You Will Burn Through A Lot Less Fuel

Every appliance you plug into your generator will require a different amount of power to work. For example, a television will need less power than an electric hammer. If you have a conventional generator running at a constant speed you’ll use the same amount of fuel either way.

If your inverter generator can alter the power output it will only give you enough watts to operate your appliance. It means you’ll burn through a lot less fuel. This will add up over time and you’ll eventually recoup the extra money you had to pay for your generator.

The Noise Levels Will Be More Pleasant

Again, this is partly related to the fact your generator will never need to work so hard. If you’ve heard a conventional generator in action you’ll know they’re loud enough to damage your hearing. Models like the Champion Power Equipment 73536i are much quieter.

Sometimes you can’t even hear them if you’re standing far enough away. We’ll discuss the decibel levels of various inverter generators in a while, but for now you should know they’ll always be lower than conventional models and your ears will thank you for it.

VIDEO | Long-Term Reliability | Champion Power Equipment 73536i

A Generator Will Be Smaller And Lighter

Conventional generators can be absolutely massive, or they can be small enough to carry around. If you’ve spent any time on worksites you’ve probably seen a couple of workers moving them. Inverter models are so small and light it’s similar to carrying a suitcase.

This doesn’t have everything to do with the power output even though it certainly plays its part. It also has to do with the technology inside the generator. If the parts are integrated together it’s obviously going to affect the total size and weight.

They Can Be Used On Expensive Electronics

There are certain things you wouldn’t want to plug into a conventional generator. If the running watts was high enough it would be risky trying to charge an expensive smartphone. That doesn’t even take into account the frequency changing in the blink of an eye.

You can relax when plugging anything delicate into an inverter generator due to its clean output. The pure sine wave and auto regulation means nothing will be harmed. There will always be occasions when you’ll want to plug small electronics into your generator.

It’s Easy To Add A Few Of Them Together

You might be wondering why you would buy an inverter generator if it wasn’t powerful enough for all your needs. For example, if you suffer a blackout at home you’ll need something big enough to let you power everything. An inverter generator is still capable of doing the job.

You’ll only need to make sure you have more than one of them. This is because they’ll be able to connect together in parallel to give you as much power as you’d get from a conventional generator. You should never need more than two if you do ever require extra power.

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Running Watts vs. Starting Watts

We’ve touched on the power output of generators, so it’s important you know the difference between their running watts and starting watts. This will allow you to gauge what size of inverter generator you’ll actually need.

Running Watts – The running watts is the main number you should be focused on. Each appliance requires a certain amount of watts to run and you’ll be able to find the specific number on the label.

You’ll plug multiple appliances into your inverter generator and the total number of watts they need must be less than the running watts of the unit. Here is a quick example of the running watts some appliances need:

• Refrigerator – 700 Watts
• Washing Machine – 1,150 Watts
• Electric Drill – 440 Watts

Starting Watts – The starting watts will always be higher because certain appliances need a quick push for a few seconds when you turn them on. After they’re operational they’ll drop down to their running watts.

The same kind of thing applies when you’re plugging appliances into your generator, so the total can’t exceed its starting watts. Here is an example of the starting watts you’ll need to run the appliances we’ve just looked at:

• Refrigerator – 2,200 Watts
• Washing Machine – 2,250 Watts
• Electric Drill – 600 Watts

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Champion Power Equipment 73536i

Portable Inverter Generator

Features :

• 1700 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts
• True sine wave inverter technology
• Economy mode to save fuel
• Overload protection
• 120V AC Load / 12V DC outlet
• Up to 9.5 hours run time at 25% load
• 53 dBA at 23 ft.
• Lightweight : 48.5 lbs.
• Easy pull recoil start
• Low oil shut-off sensor
• USDA approved spark arrestor
• Stackable design
• Parallel capability (Kit sold separately)
• Built in carrying handle
  50 state compliant (EPA+CARB certified)

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Champion Power Equipment 73536i.

Overview | Champion Power Equipment 73536i

Champion Power Equipment has some of the most innovative engineers in the industry and they’re always ahead of the curve. In the last 15 years they have built up a great reputation and it’s because of products like the Champion Power Equipment 73536i.

Major Components | Champion Power Equipment 73536i

Lots Of Power Despite Its Size

The Champion Power Equipment 73536i is approximately 19 x 13 x 16 inches in size and weighs 48.5 pounds. Even though it’s tiny they’ve still managed to build a quality 80cc Champion 4-stroke OHV engine into it.

Due to the amazing engine it’s able to produce 1,700 running watts and 2,000 starting watts, which is perfectly acceptable for most tasks. If you need extra power the generators will easily stack on top of each other.

It Is Extremely Quiet For A Generator

Inverter generators are designed to be quiet, but they don’t all match the Champion Power Equipment 73536i. When you’re standing 23 feet away the decibel level comes in at 53 dB, which will keep your ears safe.

If you want a rough estimate of how loud it will be it’s slightly noisier than moderate rainfall. It’s easily quieter than a conversation, so it will be perfect for camping and parties when you don’t want to be disturbed.

Control Panel | Champion Power Equipment 73536i

The Run-time Will Last The Entire Night

You always want a portable generator to have a long runtime because it means less work filling it up. Buying one that lasts throughout the night is even more important as you’ll be able to leave it alone when you’re sleeping.

This model will last 9.5 hours at 25 percent load, so it’s more than enough to keep vital appliances running. It has a fuel economy mode built into it and this allows the generator to keep operating for longer.

You’ll Get A Few Built-In Safety Features

Powerful generators aren’t considered perfectly safe and there is always a risk involved when you use one. Inverter models are a lot safer than conventional ones, but it’s always nice to have extra safety features on hand.

The Champion Power Equipment 73536i won’t break if you leave it alone because the low oil shut-off sensor will have your back. It has overload protection too, in case you accidentally plug in too many powerful things.

It’s Easy To Switch On And Carry Around

Gas-powered tools aren’t always the easiest to get up and running, but this portable inverter generator has an easy pull recoil start to lighten your load. It will start at the first time of asking even when it’s cold outside.

You would imagine carrying it around would be easy too. After all, it’s shaped like a suitcase and weighs less than 50 pounds. It would never be as effortless to move it around without the built-in carry handle.

You Can Use The Generator Wherever You Go

When you spend a lot of money on a generator it’s good to know you can take it anywhere with you. Most people don’t know this isn’t always the case. For example, if your generator isn’t CARB compliant you can’t use it in California.

Double your power by connecting two with the Parallel Kit 73500i

The Champion Power Equipment 73536i definitely is CARB compliant and it’s also EPA certified in 50 states. The USDA approved spark arrestor will allow you to use the generator in any national park in the country.

VIDEO | Maintaining your Champion Power Equipment 73536i

A Few Other Portable Inverter Generators To Consider

The Champion Power Equipment 73536i isn’t the only quality generator out there. You’ll find various other models are impressive too, but we’re going to focus on a couple of specific examples today. Let’s take a quick look at some of their best features.

Learn more about Champion Power Equipment products by visiting their site.

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WEN 56200i | Portable Inverter Generator

Features:

• Extremely quiet operation is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation according to the US Department of Health and Human Services
• EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
• Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
• Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets, televisions and computers
• Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle ( DC Adapter Cable included on the package and one 5V USB port )

Overview | WEN 56200i

Has Very Low Total Harmonic Distortion – The total harmonic distortion is what makes it safe enough to plug in delicate electronics. It’s meant to mimic a pure sine wave, but it’s obviously not perfect.

It’s as close to perfect as you’ll get and at no load the total harmonic distortion is 0.3 percent. When the generator is running at full load it still only reaches 1.2 percent.

The Generator Is As Quiet As Rainfall – When we were talking about the Champion Power Equipment 73536i the decibel level was compared to moderate rainfall at 23 feet away.

This inverter generator is only 51 decibels when it’s running at quarter load, which is a lot quieter. Even the US Department of Health and Human Services agrees it’s whisper quiet.

Automatically Adjusts Fuel Consumption – If the WEN 56200i is running at 50 percent load it will last for around 6 hours, which is ideal considering you won’t be running as many appliances at night.

It’s still nice to know you’ll be able to save fuel whenever possible. This inverter generator has an eco-mode too, so it can adjust the motor in order to conserve fuel.

It Has Even More Great Safety Features – The last inverter generator did have lots of nice safety features. You’ll still get the low oil shut-off sensor and overload protection on the WEN 56200i.

You’ll also get low fuel automatic shutdown protection. Even if you leave the generator switched on overnight it’s never going to make it to the last drop of fuel.

Tech Specs (WEN 56200i) :

• Rated Watts  : 2,200 / Starting Watts : 2,500
• Choke Type : Mechanical
• Engine Type : 98cc Westinghouse
• Exhaust Emissions : EPA Compliant
• Frequency : 60 Hz
• Low-Oil Shutdown : Yes
• Oil Capacity : 11.8
• Overload Protection : Yes
• Fuel Capacity : 1.0 Gallons
• Receptacles : (1) Duplex, NEMA 5-15R 120 VAC, Dual USB
• Recommended Oil : SAE 10W-30
• RPM : 5500
• Run Time : 6.1 Hrs @ 50% Load, 7.7 Hrs @ 25% Load
• Start Type Recoil
• Warranty : 3-Year Limited Residential
• Unit Weight : 46 lbs net weight

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Westinghouse iGen2500

Portable Inverter Generator

Features:

• 2,500 peak watts, 2,200 running watts
• Fuel efficient – 7.7 hrs on 1.0 gal of gas @25% load
• Very quiet – Less noise than normal conversation volume
• Safe for electronics – Inverter Technology
• 3-Year Warranty
• EPA Compliant
• Lightweight – Under 49 lbs
• Ideal for TV, lights, computers, small power tools, etc.
• Increase your power output by using the Westinghouse Parallel Cable.

Documents for the Westinghouse iGen2500 :

• View or download the MANUAL
• View or download the QUICK START GUIDE
• View or download the LED DISPLAY GUIDE

Overview | Westinghouse iGen2500

Impressive Running And Starting Watts – The Westinghouse iGen2500 is the most powerful inverter generator we’ve looked at today, plus it still weighs the same as the Champion Power Equipment 73536i.

The running watts sits at 2,200 and the starting watts is slightly higher at 2,500. This model should definitely cover 99 percent of your needs going forwards.

Multiple Features Help Make It Quiet – We’ve talked about how inverter generators are quieter than conventional models, but we’ve not touched on the features that help them.

This model has a few you will find interesting. The acoustic enclosure is double insulated, it has low tone mufflers, and the asymmetrical cooling fans finish it off.

Up To 50 Percent More Fuel Efficient – Fuel efficiency is something we’ve mentioned too, but it’s always been about the features allowing you to save fuel.

Do you have any idea how much you’ll save compared to a conventional generator? The Westinghouse iGen2500 uses up to 50 percent less fuel than a conventional model with similar power.

You Can Plug In Lots Of Appliances – Sometimes a generator is only as good as the number of appliances you can plug into it. The Westinghouse iGen2500 has you covered in this department.

You’ll have access to two 120V AC outlets and two 5V USB ports. The unit can also be stacked with extra generators using the Westinghouse parallel cable to give you more power andd access to even more outlets.

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You’ll Love The Champion Power Equipment 73536i

It’s only when you buy your first inverter generator you’ll realize it’s an essential piece of kit. When you have the Champion Power Equipment 73536i you’ll find more ways to use it than you’re planning to at the moment.

If you want to find out how much everyone else loves it read the reviews over on Amazon. They’re completely unbiased and spending a while researching them will help you come to a final decision a lot quicker.